And as Boris Johnson steps down as Prime Minister, it’s time to look back on his high-profile visits to our part of the world.
A year ago this month, he was pictured on a tour of the Nissan factory hours after an announcement from the company that a new electric model would be produced on Wearside – and that a new gigaplant would be built in partnership with Envision AESC.
A year earlier, he was pictured blowing glass at the National Glass Centre before holding a Cabinet meeting there.
In 2016, he was at the crease and playing cricket at Durham’s Riverside ground as part of his tour on the EU referendum Vote Leave campaign bus.
Remember it? Let’s take a closer look.
5. A fine shot
Boris Johnson (centre front) plays cricket at Chester Le Street Cricket Club in County Durham as part of his tour on the Vote Leave campaign bus. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire. Photo: Peter Byrne
6. Thumbs-up from Boris
The PM poses for a picture on his tour of the Nissan plant in Sunderland. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images.
7. Learning the trade
Boris is put to work under the watchful eye of a member of staff at Nissan. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
8. Keen to find out more
Taking a closer look during his visit to Wearside in July last year. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images.